Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/420759
December 22 Mark 10:45 The Unexpected Gift Charlotte Nutter, MDiv Alumna & Library Circulation Administrator W hen I saw the package under the tree, I couldn't contain my excitement. e shape, the size, the weight—it looked just like a sled. We lived on the sledding hill used by everyone in our Wolf Lake, Michigan neighborhood. If you went fast enough, you could shoot halfway across the frozen ice of the bay. I imagined hours of fun using it with our children, seeing who could slide the farthest. I told everyone in our family how excited I was to be getting a sled for Christmas. But on Christmas morning, I was surprised to open my sled and find that it was a step stool. I had fallen off a barstool while painting the dining room and had sprained my ankle. e step stool was a thoughtful gift from my family. ey were looking out for my safety, and I used it for years after we moved away from the sledding hill. at gift reminds me of God's gift to humanity, wrapped in the form of a baby. He did not look anything like the Messiah the Israelites were expecting. ey were hoping for the ideal king of the royal Psalms, a political or military leader who would make them proud again to be God's people, God's answer to their subjugation under pagan Roman rule. ey were not awaiting the servant of God spoken of in Isaiah 42:1–7; 49:5–7; 52:13–53:12. As we anticipate celebrating Christ's arrival as the Son of Man to reconcile us to God, to each other, and to creation, what do we expect to receive? Do we expect joyful renditions of the Christmas story, cheerful Christmas music, and warm gatherings of loved ones with whom to share special food and presents? ese are all good gifts, but we should also expect something more enduring. Do we expect an encounter with the living Christ who challenges us to follow Him by serving others in humility, to bring the Father's love and reconciliation into all of our relationships? Will our celebration of His birth be a gratifying and passing event, or will it bring a thoughtful refocus on His example of service and reconciliation? 17